The Magic Flute

Overview

Simon McBurney’s five-star production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns to the English National Opera’s London Coliseum following previous sold-out seasons. A timeless classic that follows the adventures of a Prince and a bird-catcher, the sumptuous opera contains themes of love, enlightenment and the search for truth.

This seminal opera has been performed regularly since its original premiere in 1791. The symbolism in the story lends itself to adaptation, and McBurney gives it a highly visual staging through animation and design. The Magic Flute follows Prince Tamino and his companion Papageno the bird-catcher on their quest to rescue the beautiful Pamina from her powerful and manipulative mother, the Queen of the Night. Three mysterious women assist them on the way.

Ben Gernon and Chris Hopkins conduct the production, with Simon McBurney directing. McBurney received an OBE in 2005 after decades of ground-breaking theatre work. He has won an Olivier Award, two Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards, and other awards in Europe. With movement by Josie Daxter, the production features set design by Michael Levine, costume design by Nicky Gilliband, lighting design by Jean Calman, sound design by Gareth Fry and video design by Finn Ross.

A well-known opera featuring the soaring score of Mozart, The Magic Flute is catapulted into the contemporary, in a five-star production that earned previous praise from audiences and critics alike. Featuring as part of the ENO’s new season, the show plays at the London Coliseum from 14 March to 11 April 2019.

Recommended for

Those interested in contemporary theatre won’t want to miss this five-star opera directed by Simon McBurney. One of the best-known opera, this is also a great chance for first-time theatregoers to discover something new.